BIOL 295 - Seminar in Biology

Credits: 1
Planned Offering: Fall, Winter

Prerequisites: BIOL 111 and 113, at least junior standing and departmental consent. Seminar topics vary with instructor and term. Sample topics include: genetics, molecular genetics, virology, evolutionary biology, history of medicine, biology of aging, ecology, cancer, reproductive strategies, neuroendocrinology, microbiology and immunology. These are in-depth studies of restricted topics within the broad areas indicated by the titles, involving critical review of literature, discussion and oral and/or written presentation. One such seminar is required of each major pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree, and no more than two may be counted toward the 30 credits in biology required for the major. May be repeated for degree credit if the topics are different.

Winter 2013 topics:

BIOL 295-01: Seminar: Do Predators Run the World? (1). According to a growing body of evidence, biodiversity in many ecosystems is regulated from the top down, where predators control the variety of species that can coexist in the same habitat. We examine this phenomenon via student presentations of the evidence from a variety of studies published in the primary literature. Hurd.

BIOL 295-02: The Global Arms Race: Plants versus Animals (1). Plants and animals have been intimately involved for millions of years, and adaptations in both groups reflect this close relationship. In this seminar, we explore the ongoing ‘co-evolutionary arms race’ between plants and animals, covering interactions such as herbivory, pollination, and fruit and seed dispersal. Papers focus on current issues including the pollinator crisis, genetically-modified organisms, invasive species, and global climate change. Mallory.

Fall 2012 topic:

BIOL 295: Seminar:Cell Signaling and Disease (1). This course examines how cells receive, process, and respond to information from the environment. Signal transduction cascades mediate the sensing and processing of stimuli. Topics include signal transduction cascades that underlie cellular processes such as proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis, with a focus on examining how errors in these signal transduction cascades can lead to human diseases such as cancer and other diseases. Watson.